Ringing Bell (1978) [Short Film]

A powerful and deeply

moving tale of revenge and

identity. A true classic

of Japanese animation.

Ringing Bell is notorious amongst animation fans for it's dark and sharp shift in tone the film experiences after the first ten minutes. The contrast between the extremely gentle and soft animation of the film's start and the jagged, dimly lit animation of it's end is also an often discussed topic, overall making this film legendarily boundary pushing within the world of animation. However despite the film's infamy, banned in Kazakhstan after nation-wide rioting over the film's DVD release, it is something of a cult classic and is loved by many, including myself.

The most continuous and debated element of the film is certainly it's animation. Many consider the two styles it blends together to be jarring and distracting, an understandable complaint. In my opinion however, the film excellent use of watercolour backgrounds helps to merge the two styles together, blurring the lines between the two and creating a natural and beautiful merging of the styles. 

The jagged shadows of the ending and fluffy pastel colours create a powerful contrast rather than a distracting one, separating the world's of sheep and wolf in a poetic fashion. Further praise must go towards the sheer scope of the films animation, presenting some of the most impressive scenic vistas that I have ever seen in drawn form, matching the almost Shakespearean scale of the storytelling. However the most amazing aspect of the animation in my opinion is the wolf. He is terrifying, a living strip of shadow with piercing white eyes and a eerily silent manner of movement. It is worth watching the film for this wolf alone if nothing else.

Ringing Bell also features some exceptional sound design. The early synth sound effects start the film sounding whimsical and cheerful, accompanying the harmless and sweet visuals. By the end however they morph into almost demonic sounding mechanical fuzz, representing the de-humanizing journey the main character takes and the brutality of the film's world. In general I would use this film as an example of the potential potency of a synth score, both to create levity and horror.

Finally, the film's actual storyline, which is heralded as both a beautiful modern fable and a trite, braindead propaganda piece. As I have already used the word 'Shakespearean' you can tell where I land. The film's message is superficially simple yet connects and flowers into various other issues. The loss of one's identity, the meaning of being a predator, the effects of revenge and the power of parental authority. All these concepts are weaved into a mere forty-five minute short and it is breathtaking.

Overall, watch this short on Youtube (I feel I have wrote those words numerous times this month), as it is available in both dubbed and subbed forms (I watched the sub). This film will certainly stir emotions and regardless of your opinion, it will at least make you feel something. I love this film, and I hope I can encourage further discussion about it.

By Jack D. Phillips
A Zoom Film Review